What's next for a divisive dean?

Faculty have recently been discussing the future of the head of Cal Poly’s distinguished engineering college, and whether he’ll remain at the top or not.

Engineering Dean Mohammad Noori has overseen the college for four years. In that time he has come under fire from faculty, many of whom allege misjudgment, poor staff relations, and a lackluster fundraising record.

In a memo to staff earlier this week, Noori was vague about any shake up. “In the process of assessing what is best for the college in the years ahead, I have been contemplating changes in the college and have undertaken conversations with the Provost regarding that prospect,” he wrote.

Noori came under fire for a failed deal with the Saudi Arabian government to co-develop an engineering college there, a more than two-year process plagued by contractual problems and local opposition to alleged discrimination against minorities and women. More details regarding Noori’s status could come as soon as next week, when Provost Robert Koob, who oversees faculty issues within Cal Poly’s six colleges, returns from vacation. ∆